KEEPING KIDS ENTERTAINED ON A CAMPING HOLIDAY IN CORNWALL

Sue Martin • May 27, 2026

Discover the best ways to keep kids entertained on a family camping holiday in Cornwall.  expert tips, beach activities, and outdoor adventures near coverack.

A family camping holiday in Cornwall is the ultimate recipe for adventure: fresh sea air, total freedom, and tech-free memories that last a lifetime. But let’s be honest—if you’re travelling with kids, a little preparation goes a long way, especially when the British weather decides to do its thing!


Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking the tourer, or settling into a cosy static caravan here at Little Trevothan Camping & Caravan Park, the Lizard Peninsula is your playground.


Here is our ultimate guide to keeping the kids blissfully entertained during your Cornish camping getaway.


🎯 Quick Answer: How Do You Keep Kids Entertained While Camping?

The secret to a stress-free family camping trip is variety and flexibility. Keep things simple with a mix of:

  • The Big Outings: Rock pooling, beach days, and beginner watersports.
  • The Low-Key Moments: Campsite scavenger hunts, stargazing, and simple card games.
  • The Secret Weapon: Involving them in "campsite chores" (trust us, they love it!).


🌊 1. Conquer the Local Rock Pools & Beaches

One of the best perks of staying at Little Trevothan is our proximity to some of Cornwall’s most magical, sheltered coves. You don't need expensive theme parks when you have nature's own splash zones.

  • Coverack Beach: Just down the road, this charming pebble-and-sand beach is perfect for crabbing off the harbour wall or paddling in the shallows.
  • Kennack Sands: Brilliant for sandcastle building and boasts a great beach café for that vital caffeine hit.
  • Rock Pool Essentials: Grab a bucket and a crabbing line from the local shop, check the tide times, and hunt for anemones, blennies, and starfish.


🚶‍♂️ 2. Turn Coastal Walks into Treasure Hunts

If you tell a child you're going for a "scenic walk" on the South West Coast Path, you might get a few groans. If you tell them you're going on a wildlife safari or a smuggler's hunt, they'll be ready in seconds.

  • The Wildlife Challenge: Keep eyes peeled for the famous Cornish Chough (a black bird with red legs and beak), basking sharks, or the seals that frequently bob their heads up near the Coverack shoreline.  You might even see a pod of dolphins.
  • Geocaching: Download the free Geocaching app before you arrive. The Lizard Peninsula is packed with hidden "caches" that turn a standard walk into a real-life treasure hunt.
  • i-Walk Cornwall: Download the i-Walk Cornwall app where you'll find many coastal and inland walks.  It's a bit like have a human walk guide in your pocket providing detailed directions and information about the local area covering topics such as nature, local history and the Cornish landscape.
  • Treasure Trails: Excellent treasure hunts, spy missions and detective mysteries in and around the Lizard Peninsula.  Buy yours HERE before you come away.


3. Pack the "Old School" Campsite Classics

When you're back at base camp and dinner is cooking, you need easy entertainment that doesn't take up too much boot space.

Top Campsite Toys to Pack:

  • A classic Frisbee or football.
  • A Velcro catch-ball set.
  • A kite (the breeze up on the cliffs at the Lizard is perfect for this!).
  • A simple deck of cards for the evening.

Our spacious pitches give kids plenty of room to stretch their legs and make new friends with neighbouring campers., and our huge playing field is ideal for outside games.


🐬 4. Try Watersports in Coverack Bay

For older kids and teenagers looking for a bit of adrenaline, Cornwall’s coastline is unbeatable.

Coverack Bay is beautifully sheltered, making it a fantastic spot for beginners to try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking. You can windsurf or hire equipment locally, allowing the older kids to build their confidence on the water while you watch from the beach with a pasty.


🌧️ 5. Have a Foolproof Rainy-Day Backup Plan

Let’s be real—sometimes that Cornish liquid sunshine happens! Don't let a shower damp your spirits.

  • Inside the Tent/Caravan: Stock up on travel board games (Uno and Dobble are massive hits), colouring books, and a tablet pre-downloaded with a few favourite films.  There are lots of games to borrow at Little Trevothan - just pop into reception and ask.
  • Rainy-Day Outings nearby: Head over to Roskilly’s Farm just down the road. You can visit the farm animals, stroll through the woods, and dive into a massive bowl of Cornish ice cream under their covered courtyard.


🔥 6. Embrace the Magic of Cornish Evenings

When the sun starts to dip, the real magic of camping begins. At Little Trevothan, we love the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere that settles over the park in the evening.

Wrap up warm, grab a blanket, and spend the twilight hours stargazing. Because the Lizard Peninsula has very little light pollution, the night skies here are absolutely breathtaking. It’s the perfect backdrop for telling ghost stories around a camp fire, or chatting about the day.


📱 7. Ditch the Screens (Without the Tantrums)

Parents are often amazed at how quickly kids forget about YouTube once they arrive. The mix of open space, physical activity, and the excitement of sleeping in a tent or caravan naturally breaks the screen addiction.

Instead of banning phones entirely, reframe them as tools: use them to identify constellations at night, track your walking routes, or take photos of the holiday.


8. Make Them the "Assistant Camp Commander"

Children love having a job to do. It makes them feel grown-up and integral to the adventure. Assign them daily roles, such as:

  • The Navigator: Holding the map on walks.
  • The Hydration Officer: Filling up the water carriers at the campsite taps.
  • The Chef’s Assistant: Prepping the barbecue food or organising the picnic basket.


🏕️ Why Families Love Little Trevothan Camping & Caravan Park

Finding the right base camp makes all the difference. Little Trevothan offers a safe, grassy, and beautifully maintained haven away from the main roads, making it ideal for families.

  • Spacious Pitches: Plenty of room for your family setup.
  • Playground: Huge grass area for outdoor games, and an amazing adventure playground.
  • Luxury Statics: If you want the camping vibe but prefer proper beds and a hot shower, our static holiday caravans are a home-from-home.
  • The Perfect Location: Tucked away in a quiet spot, yet just minutes away from Coverack, stunning beaches, and delicious local eateries.


🌞 Ready to make some memories? Whether they’re splashing in the sea, hunting for crabs, or fast asleep after a day of fresh air, Cornwall delivers a holiday your kids will talk about for years.



👉 Book your family stay at Little Trevothan today!